Queenstown apartments?

Stuart asks:
(updated on Friday, January 10th 2014)

I was wondering what your opinion is on Queenstown apartments and short-term versus long-term rentals there? We are currently renting for $150 a week in a small rural area that we don't want to buy in. We have about $45,000 in savings that we are willing to commit and a surplus from income of roughly $250 a week. We are quite happy renting where we are but we want to get on to the property ladder. Queenstown appeals as we can visit when we feel the need to escape.

Our Experts Answer:

You should try to look at the numbers instead of the aspects of Queenstown that personally appeal to you as this could cloud your judgement when trying to make a smart decision. Looking at the numbers you will have a budget of $225,000 to keep within 80% LVR, an acceptable return to keep you cash flow positive is 7% net which equals $15,750 per annum after expenses.  Assuming expenses of $4,000 per annum you need to gross $19,750 which is $395 pw for 50 weeks of the year.  If you can find an apartment offering these numbers in Queenstown then I would say it's worth considering.

Most Read

AIA - Go Home Loans 4.00
Unity First Home Buyer special 4.15
SBS FirstHome Combo 4.29
ICBC 4.49
Kainga Ora 4.59
SBS Bank Special 4.69
Unity Special 4.80
China Construction Bank 4.85
Co-operative Bank - First Home Special 4.89
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 4.99
ASB Bank 4.99
China Construction Bank 4.95
Kainga Ora 4.95
ICBC 4.99
SBS Bank Special 5.29
Unity Special 5.29
Westpac Special 5.29
Co-operative Bank - First Home Special 5.29
ANZ Special 5.35
ASB Bank 5.35
BNZ - Std 5.35
AIA - Go Home Loans 5.35
SBS Bank Special 5.49
ICBC 5.65
Kainga Ora 5.69
ASB Bank 5.75
BNZ - Std 5.75
AIA - Go Home Loans 5.75
Westpac Special 5.75
Kiwibank Special 5.89
Co-operative Bank - First Home Special 5.89
TSB Special 5.99
China Construction Bank 5.99
SBS FirstHome Combo 3.29
AIA - Back My Build 3.34
SBS Construction lending for FHB 3.79
CFML 321 Loans 4.20
ICBC 5.39
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 5.69
Co-operative Bank - Standard 5.69
Kainga Ora 5.79
Pepper Money Prime 5.99
Unity Standard 6.04
Unity Special 6.04